Nursing Faculty Perceptions Regarding Students With Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Background: Students with physical disabilities continue to face barriers seeking entry into nursing programs even as the nursing profession advocates vigorously for the rights of these individuals. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify faculty perceptions that create barriers for students with physical disabilities to meet the requirements of a BSN education. Methods: Nursing faculty (n = 111) completed an online survey about the ability of a student who uses a wheelchair for mobility to meet required outcomes. Results: Participants believed students could meet the 14 cognitive and affective domain outcomes (88%-100%) for generalist practice. Their agreement that students could meet psychomotor domain outcomes was lower (66%-90%). Younger faculty expressed more positive perceptions. Conclusions: Using the psychomotor requirements of bedside nursing as the technical standard for nursing education is a barrier for students with physical disabilities. Faculty should expand their perceptions of the essentials of nursing education to create an inclusive environment.

Faculty attitudes towards nursing students with disabilities in the clinical setting

“…Furthermore, studies that capture younger faculty participants may yield useful findings as they seem to be more accepting of students with disabilities. [8,9] Because transition into the workforce was a theme in this study, research into nurse managers' hiring practices and attitudes towards nurses with disabilities should be conducted. As noted, nurse educators feel a responsibility to train a competent workforce, and knowledge of hiring practices and expectations of administrators will give a unique perspective to the field.…”

“…Elting, Avit, and Gordon explored nursing faculty perceptions of students who use wheelchairs for mobility. [8] Faculty agreed that the students could meet program outcomes pertaining to the cognitive-affective domain, but they were less positive about meeting outcomes pertaining to the psychomotor domain. Interestingly younger faculty seem to be more positive about student success suggesting this generation may be more accepting of disabilities.…”

“…Interestingly younger faculty seem to be more positive about student success suggesting this generation may be more accepting of disabilities. [8,9] There is a lack of consensus regarding what, if any, accommodations are appropriate for clinical courses. A scoping review conducted by Horkey examined the implementation of accommodations in the clinical setting for students with physical disabilities.…”